VDI Prize 2025 for THI graduate Isabell Zeitler

Under the supervision of Professor Georg Passig, Zeitler developed a compact and cost-effective neurofeedback system that records and processes electrical brain signals via forehead electrodes and converts them into real-time feedback. The principle is clear: when concentration increases, so does a small ball in a tube. For the implementation, Zeitler designed several variants of the measuring and amplifier circuits, optimised filter stages and tested the device in various test scenarios. The resulting solution achieves a signal quality that is comparable to professional systems, but remains much simpler to use. There is potential in particular for neurofeedback therapy, for example for ADHD, as well as for further research approaches in the field of assistive technologies and cognitive interfaces. The work is exemplary for the practice-orientated education at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, which closely links technical and medical issues.

The VDI Prize, one of the most important regional awards for achievements in Engineering Sciences, has been awarded since 1984. This year, seven entries were honoured: Isabell Zeitler and Aleyna Yavuz in the Bachelor's category, Jonas Emrich and Saltuk Kezer in the Master's category, Jam Wilch and Rafaela Greil in the dissertation category and the Aereus team with Juan Carlos Climent Pardo and Alvaro Ritter in the engineering start-up category.